[Ali Imran]

Not really, we sanction Russia base on UN with regards to financial services for Russian entities. 

Balakrishnan said. 

“Our position remains that it was wrong of Russia, that it was a breach of international law and of the principles of the UN charter for them to launch an invasion of Ukraine,” the foreign minister said

However Singapore never see Russia as our enemy. Our bilateral relationship tie is not broken. 

In the case of Russia and Ukraine, we have not broken ties with Russia. 

Without spilling state secrets, have I continued to meet informally with my counterpart in Russia? 

Yes, I have continued to meet informally. I have told my Prime Minister that I have had to inhale second-hand smoke, and I have drunk good whiskey for the sake of Singapore. 

And why do I do that? 

Because I am not engaged in performative gestures. I want to hear, I want to understand, at the same time, I want to communicate to him and his country, so they know why we had taken a different position from them. 

It is not personal. It is not bilateral and even when we go, as far as to levy sanctions, these are targeted sanctions. 
These sanctions say that we will make sure that Singapore is not a portal for arms or dual use equipment which can be used against Ukraine and Ukrainian civilians. 

The Russians have had to say certain things about us. 

But in fact, if you observe the acts and the actions and the conduct between Russia and Singapore, it has been mutually respectful. It has been constructive. 

And I look forward to the day when the war in Ukraine ends and relations and the conduct of business can get back to normal

Did Singapore display the Palestinian flag on some building like they did for Ukraine flag?